Emergency contraception
Ulipristal acetate
Before using this medication, read this card and the instruction leaflet inside the box.
Make sure you’ve told us about any allergies or medical conditions you have and any other medicines you take before you take this contraception.
If you throw up (vomit) within 3 hours of taking this tablet, get in touch as you might need another dose.
Guidelines for using this medication have changed based on the latest research. It is now understood to be safe to take ulipristal acetate when breastfeeding or chestfeeding.
How to take ulipristal acetate
Take 1 pill as soon as you can after sex.
It is not effective if you take it more than 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex.
This pill will not work as well if you have:
used the contraceptive pill, patch or ring in the last 7 days or have a contraceptive implant or hormonal coil fitted. If you regularly use the contraceptive injection, contact us before taking this pill
taken an emergency contraceptive pill containing levonorgestrel, like Levonelle, in the last 7 days. Ulipristal acetate can interact with this
taken St John’s Wort or any medication for tuberculosis, epilepsy, HIV, asthma (inhalers are not a problem), stomach acid levels or liver problems
Taking regular contraception
After you have taken this pill, wait 5 days before taking any type of hormonal contraception. Contraception like the pill, the patch or the ring can stop this medication from working well.
When you restart your hormonal contraception, use condoms for the first 7 days to give the contraception time to become effective.
If you’re interested in a regular contraceptive method, read about your options.
How do I know it has worked?
Emergency contraception will not work if you have already ovulated. Ovulation is hard to predict, so we recommend you take this medication and do a pregnancy test in 3 weeks.
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